The rampant use of tractor, thrasher and other equipment has reduced the demand of cattle in farming. The number of people interested in purchasing horse has also come down as even in the interior villages two-wheelers and four-wheelers have replaced horse carts as the mode of transportation. There is neither the utility nor the money to buy elephants and horses. In the past kings, royal families and nawabs would buy elephants and horses from this fair.

Cattle fair on the confluence of Gandak and Ganga has always been attraction for farmers, cattle- and bird- traders from the time of Chandragupta Maurya.

But as the life grew more mechanized all these animals started losing their attraction. Instead people visit the fair more for entertainment and less for real business.

The successive state governments have always ben slow to the demand of the changing situation.

Yet some changes have been made. For example, para-gliding has been introduced this year along with horse racing and dog show, which have been going on for years. It is also known for its theatre and folk dances.

The fair which is organized by the Tourism deparment of Bihar will conclude on December 17.

According to organizers more than 600 theatre artistes from Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi and Assam have arrived in Sonepur.

Stalls selling electronic goods and gadgets have come up at the fair.

This year extra care has been made for fair. Saran district magistrate Kundan Kumar said 20 temporary police stations have been set up. Policemen have been equipped with hand metal detectors to frisk visitors at the fair. The police are also patrolling in boats in both the rivers.